$$ \ce{XY2 -> X + Y2} $$

The equation above represents the decomposition of a compound \(\ce{XY2}\). The diagram below shows two reaction profiles (path one and path two) for the decomposition of \(\ce{XY2}\).

Which of the following best describes the flow of heat when 1.0 mol of \(\ce{XY2}\) decomposes?

Summary Submit

Path one shows the reaction as it normally occurs. Path two shows the same reaction in the presence of a catalyst. The net change in potential energy is the same in both cases. The potential energy of the system increases by \(\pu{50 kJ/mol_{rxn}}\), indicating that \(\pu{50 kJ}\) of energy was transferred from the environment to the system.